Tillinghast Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1952 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tillinghast Creek was last stocked July 16, 1952 with Rainbow Trout. Tillinghast Creek has 35 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1952, with about 314,752 fish stocked over that period.
When Tillinghast Creek is stocked
Tillinghast Creek is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in July — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Tillinghast Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Tillinghast Creek, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Tillinghast Creek was last stocked July 16, 1952, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Tillinghast Creek:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Tillinghast Creek
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Tillinghast Creek, freshest activity first.
Rhoda Lake
15 mi3 species · 37 records
Last stocked July 2023
Nebel Coulee
10 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 1997
Logging Creek
5 mi3 species · 105 records
Last stocked August 1976
Cora Creek
16 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 1971
Jefferson Creek
16 mi3 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1955
Big Otter Creek
17 mi4 species · 74 records
Last stocked June 1955
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 16, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 960 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 960 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1951 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 2, 1950 | Rainbow Trout | 2,400 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 4, 1950 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 4, 1950 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 27 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 1949 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1949 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 3,360 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 48,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1945 | Rainbow Trout | 48,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1943 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1942 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 28,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 28,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1938 | Brook Trout | 11,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1938 | Brook Trout | 11,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 6,312 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1935 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1933 | Brook Trout | 800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 1933 | Brook Trout | 800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 1928 | Cutthroat Trout | 30,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Tillinghast Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tillinghast Creek was last stocked July 16, 1952 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Tillinghast Creek?
Tillinghast Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Tillinghast Creek stocked?
Tillinghast Creek is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in July.
How often is Tillinghast Creek stocked?
Tillinghast Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 35 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1952.
How many fish have been stocked in Tillinghast Creek?
About 314,752 fish have been stocked in Tillinghast Creek across 35 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Tillinghast Creek?
Fish stocked in Tillinghast Creek average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Tillinghast Creek?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Tillinghast Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Tillinghast Creek typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.